Machine-to-machine communication is easier than ever: Opta now supports OPC UA

OPC Unified Architecture – OPC UA in short – is a cross-platform, open-source machine-to-machine communication protocol for industrial automation. It was developed by the Open Platform Communications (OPC) Foundation and is defined in detail in the IEC 62541 standard. With the release of the Arduino_OPC_UA library we enable users to convert any product from our […]

The post Machine-to-machine communication is easier than ever: Opta now supports OPC UA appeared first on Arduino Blog.

OPC Unified Architecture – OPC UA in short – is a cross-platform, open-source machine-to-machine communication protocol for industrial automation. It was developed by the Open Platform Communications (OPC) Foundation and is defined in detail in the IEC 62541 standard.

With the release of the Arduino_OPC_UA library we enable users to convert any product from our Arduino Opta range into an OPC UA-enabled device

Step-by-step guide to setting up OPC UA on Arduino Opta

It’s as simple as uploading a single sketch onto your Opta and connecting it to an Ethernet network. Once uploaded, the OPC UA firmware exposes the Arduino Opta’s analog and digital inputs, the user button and LED (only Arduino Opta WiFi), as well as its relay outputs as properties that can be read from or written to using OPC UA. OPC UA communication is performed using OPC UA binary encoding via TCP sockets.

Arduino_OPC_UA is a port of the Fraunhofer open62541 library implementing IEC 62541 in highly portable C99 for both Windows and Linux targets. One serious challenge during the porting of open62541 was to decide on sensible tradeoffs concerning RAM consumption, as using OPC UAs full namespace zero (NS0) requires up to 8 MB of RAM while the STM32H747 powering the Arduino Opta has a total of 1 MB of SRAM to offer – some of which already allocated by the the Arduino framework for the Arduino Opta.

Expand functionality with Arduino Opta Modules and OPC UA integration

Additionally, Arduino_OPC_UA supports the automatic discovery, configuration and exposure as OPC UA objects of the recently released Arduino Opta expansion modules. Currently three different expansion modules exist: Arduino Opta Analog Expansion (A0602), Arduino Opta Digital Expansion with electro-mechanical relay outputs (D1608E), and with solid-state relay outputs (DS1608S). During system start-up, the Arduino Opta’s expansion bus is queried for connected expansion modules and automatically configures them and brings them online for interfacing via OPC UA.

You can extend the default OPC UA server to add additional OPC UA properties such as data collected from a sensor device connected to the Arduino Opta. As a demonstration, we’ve created an example showing how to collect temperature and humidity data from a Modbus RTU device (connected to the Opta’s RS485 port) and subsequently expose this data via OPC UA properties.

How will you use the new Arduino_OPC_UA library? Let us know in the comments below or share your newest projects on Project Hub

The post Machine-to-machine communication is easier than ever: Opta now supports OPC UA appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Arduino partners with RS/OKdo strategically to further expand the China Market

Arduino is excited to announce a strategic new partnership with RS/OKdo, a prominent leader in the distribution of industrial and electronic equipment. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bringing Arduino’s technology closer to China’s thriving maker community and enterprise sector, offering enhanced local support and access to original Arduino boards and resources. Empowering […]

The post Arduino partners with RS/OKdo strategically to further expand the China Market appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Arduino is excited to announce a strategic new partnership with RS/OKdo, a prominent leader in the distribution of industrial and electronic equipment. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bringing Arduino’s technology closer to China’s thriving maker community and enterprise sector, offering enhanced local support and access to original Arduino boards and resources.

Empowering a growing community in China

With over 300,000 active members in China’s Arduino community, one of our top priorities is to deliver an even better experience. This partnership with RS/OKdo means users will enjoy more local language content, technical support, competitive pricing, and most importantly, easier access to official Arduino products.

Official Arduino boards, certified for China

As part of this initiative, a range of classic and most popular Arduino boards has been specifically manufactured for the Chinese market. These boards are exactly the same as Arduino’s global versions of the same products, produced in Italy to Arduino’s highest standards, tested rigorously for quality and performance. Each product , although certified exclusively for the Chinese market, matches the same technical specifications and high-quality benchmarks as those sold worldwide. The boards are available only through RS/OKdo and Arduino/OKdo’s authorized sub-distributors. They have unique Arduino MPNs but with a _CN suffix:

Front & back of official UNO R4 WiFi – SKU ABX00087_CN

Front & back of official UNO R3 – SKU A000066_CN

Expanding local support for enterprise transformation

In addition to supporting makers, RS/OKdo  will provide enhanced technical support to enterprise customers, empowering companies to transform their business operations with Arduino Pro solutions. This deeper level of assistance will help bridge the gap between local businesses and advanced IoT and industrial automation tools.

A stronger connection to China’s maker community

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, commented: “This partnership with RS/OKdo is a strategic step to bring Arduino closer to China’s vibrant maker community and local enterprises,” said Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino. “Through this collaboration, we’re able to make our technology more accessible, offering Chinese users an authentic Arduino experience with localized technical support, certified products, and our renowned quality. We’re excited to see how this synergy will foster innovation and support digital transformation in such a dynamic market.”

David Shen, Vice President – Asia Pacific of RS/OKdo added, “This partnership opens up new & exciting opportunities for both companies in the dynamic markets of China and, most importantly, for our customers to access genuine Arduino products and technical support through a network of authorized sub-distributors. Arduino and RS/OKdo are working together to bring even better customer experience to purchase genuine Arduino products backed by an iron-clad product warranty in China. We’re excited to see the amazing possibilities that Arduino and RS/OKdo can bring to the local market together.”

Join us on this journey!

Our partnership with RS/OKdo is a commitment to fostering innovation and expanding access to Arduino’s world-class technology in China. Whether you’re an individual maker or a company ready to transform with IoT, Arduino and RS/OKdo  are here to support your journey. Keep an eye out for official Arduino boards at RS/OKdo, and get ready to create, innovate, and inspire!

The post Arduino partners with RS/OKdo strategically to further expand the China Market appeared first on Arduino Blog.

This disturbing Halloween doll was brought to life with Bottango

Halloween is popular for a lot of reasons and it is safe to say that “creative expression” is near the top of the list. That extends beyond store-bought costumes and decorations to DIY projects. If you want an excuse to make something impractical, Halloween can provide that. And if you want that thing to move, […]

The post This disturbing Halloween doll was brought to life with Bottango appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Halloween is popular for a lot of reasons and it is safe to say that “creative expression” is near the top of the list. That extends beyond store-bought costumes and decorations to DIY projects. If you want an excuse to make something impractical, Halloween can provide that. And if you want that thing to move, an Arduino and Bottango software are there to help, as proven by this disturbing animatronic Halloween doll built by Cameron Coward.

Coward started with a creepy doll procured at a thrift store, putting its porcelain head, hands, and feet onto a 3D-printed skeleton. The skeleton’s arms and legs are four-bar linkages, which produce the unnerving motion that falls into the uncanny valley. In total, there are five servo motors: one for rotating the head and four for actuating the limbs. 

An Arduino UNO Rev3 board controls the servo motors through an Adafruit 16-channel PWM servo driver board. That Arduino acts as a hardware driver for Bottango, which is software that was developed specifically for animatronics projects like this one. 

Using Bottango, Coward was able to create complex animations that involve all of the servo motors moving simultaneously. A child-size onesie (another thrift store find) covers the skeleton and electronics, completing the illusion of a doll come to life. 

The post This disturbing Halloween doll was brought to life with Bottango appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Introducing Arduino Academy: your path to becoming an Arduino-Certified Engineer begins!

Want to upgrade your skills and become a certified Arduino engineer? Welcome to the Arduino Academy, the go-to platform for hands-on, interactive learning designed to prepare you for the future of technology. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, the Academy offers cutting-edge courses that will give you a competitive edge leveraging […]

The post Introducing Arduino Academy: your path to becoming an Arduino-Certified Engineer begins! appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Want to upgrade your skills and become a certified Arduino engineer? Welcome to the Arduino Academy, the go-to platform for hands-on, interactive learning designed to prepare you for the future of technology. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, the Academy offers cutting-edge courses that will give you a competitive edge leveraging the leading open-source ecosystem in the world.

Arduino Education Goes Pro

Capitalizing on Arduino’s extensive experience in the education space and the success of the industrial-grade professional products in the Arduino Pro range, the Arduino Academy offers self-paced courses that facilitate deep learning with hands-on labs

Designed for all skill levels, it provides certifications and badges for LinkedIn integration and allows progress tracking, flexible navigation, and personalized learning paths

Each course includes built-in quizzes, discussions, and multimedia content and is mobile-friendly for learning on the go. Like all Arduino initiatives, it comes with the support of a dynamic global community of 33+ million active users, always ready to help and contribute!

Master PLC Programming Basics with ACE-100 

The first course in the Arduino Academy is Opta Essentials (ACE-100), where you’ll jump right into industrial automation, gaining essential PLC programming skills using Ladder Diagram and Arduino Language (based on C++).

Designed to engage you in hands-on projects, ACE-100 gives you practical experience for real-world applications – like designing a bottle-filling conveyor system. You’ll learn to connect the Arduino Opta with Arduino Cloud, enhancing your automation capabilities, and unlock your creativity with the cost-effective Opta Trainer Kit, available through authorized partners, PLC Cables and DigiKey.

This self-paced, 16-hour course is perfect for those eager to learn PLC programming using Arduino IDE and PLC IDE. It covers the five languages in the IEC 61131-3 standard. ACE-100 is the ideal starting point for diving into Industrial IoT (IIoT) and was designed by the Arduino team for a broad audience, including students, professional embedded engineers, and companies looking to train their employees or provide them with valuable self-training. 

Last but not least, ACE-100 is free! Enroll now to take advantage of this transformative learning experience.

Stay tuned; more courses are in the works and will be released soon! Ready to take the plunge? Head to the Arduino Academy and begin your journey toward becoming an expert in the fields of embedded and automation technologies, with Arduino.

The post Introducing Arduino Academy: your path to becoming an Arduino-Certified Engineer begins! appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Arduino and Truesense partner to bring UWB technology to millions

We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Truesense, a leader in ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, known for its innovative software and hardware solutions. This collaboration enhances our ecosystem of hardware products, software solutions, and cloud services, providing developers worldwide with professional-grade tools. Our focus is on delivering highly accurate real-time location systems and tracking […]

The post Arduino and Truesense partner to bring UWB technology to millions appeared first on Arduino Blog.

We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Truesense, a leader in ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, known for its innovative software and hardware solutions.

This collaboration enhances our ecosystem of hardware products, software solutions, and cloud services, providing developers worldwide with professional-grade tools. Our focus is on delivering highly accurate real-time location systems and tracking solutions.

Compared to other wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®, UWB offers superior accuracy for ranging and positioning, operates within a less congested radio spectrum, and coexists with technologies like Wi-Fi® and NFC without interference. Additionally, UWB’s enhanced physical layer (PHY) supports advanced security features such as cryptography and random number generation, making it ideal for applications requiring secure communication.

Through our partnership with Truesense, we envision a future where seamless applications gather precise, real-time information from the environment, allowing machines to make quick, accurate decisions without human intervention.

Collaborating with Truesense empowers us to enrich our offerings with advanced technology that meets the needs of the growing number of users who rely on Arduino’s open-source solutions for innovation. Partnerships like these are essential to expanding possibilities within the Arduino community.

Armando Caltabiano, CEO of Truesense, commented, “We are excited to partner with Arduino to bring innovative UWB solutions to the market. We are combining the accuracy and secure ranging of our UWB technology with the leading open-source ecosystem, to provide developers with powerful tools to quickly build robust smart IoT and Industrial real-time tracking systems. This partnership showcases our commitment to making UWB technology widely accessible for developers and innovators.”

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, added, “This partnership with Truesense is crucial for the Arduino community as it provides access to advanced UWB technology through open and accessible Arduino libraries. By integrating cutting-edge hardware into our ecosystem, we’re empowering developers to create sophisticated applications without barriers. These tools will enable our users to push the boundaries of innovation, bringing highly accurate, real-time tracking and secure communication to a wider audience.”

Together, Arduino and Truesense are committed to delivering high-performance, accessible solutions that enable the development of next-generation projects, from industrial applications to consumer electronics, empowering developers to create cutting-edge UWB applications.

The post Arduino and Truesense partner to bring UWB technology to millions appeared first on Arduino Blog.

This DIY smart chicken coop features AI-based predator detection

Raising chickens can be a very rewarding endeavor, as they can provide fresh daily eggs and help get rid of pests in the yard. But, like all animals, they require care. Most importantly, you’ll need to ensure that they have regular food and water, and you’ll need to protect them from predators like coyotes, foxes, […]

The post This DIY smart chicken coop features AI-based predator detection appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Raising chickens can be a very rewarding endeavor, as they can provide fresh daily eggs and help get rid of pests in the yard. But, like all animals, they require care. Most importantly, you’ll need to ensure that they have regular food and water, and you’ll need to protect them from predators like coyotes, foxes, and cats. To ease the workload, you may want to consider building Coders Cafe’s DIY smart chicken coop that features AI-based predator detection.

The purpose of a coop, aside from being a comfy place for chickens to roost, is to provide protection from weather and predators. This design is pretty small and is probably only suitable for one or two chickens, but the concepts can be applied to larger coops. It provides a few very useful features: remote or automated feeding, remote or automated door operation, and predator detection with remote notifications. You’ll never have to worry that you forgot to feed the chickens or that you left the door open, and you can respond immediately if you get a notification about a predator.

An Arduino UNO R4 WiFi board oversees those features, operating the door and dispensing food using simple motor-driven mechanisms. A companion app lets the user set an automated door and food schedule, or perform those actions with the tap of the button. A Twilio app integration enables SMS alerts.

The predator-detecting magic works thanks to DFRobot’s HuskyLens AI camera sensor. Users can train that to recognize specific predators and then it will tell the Arduino if it sees one. That communication occurs over I2C and is easy to setup, removing all of the difficulty of implementing AI. 

The post This DIY smart chicken coop features AI-based predator detection appeared first on Arduino Blog.

The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor is out! With Chromebook support to code Alvik and more

We’re excited to announce the release of the web-based version of the Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor. This lightweight platform makes it even easier to code with MicroPython using Arduino hardware such as Alvik, Nano ESP32, Nano RP2040 Connect, Nano 33 BLE Sense – and more! You can check the full list of MicroPython-compatible Arduino […]

The post The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor is out! With Chromebook support to code Alvik and more appeared first on Arduino Blog.

We’re excited to announce the release of the web-based version of the Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor. This lightweight platform makes it even easier to code with MicroPython using Arduino hardware such as Alvik, Nano ESP32, Nano RP2040 Connect, Nano 33 BLE Sense – and more! You can check the full list of MicroPython-compatible Arduino hardware at this link.

What’s more, if you are a Chromebook user, now you can simply edit, run, and save MicroPython code on your board, as well as upload your files (assets or code), directly in the browser (Chrome, Opera, and Edge are supported). 

Please note that the editor is still in its “lab” phase, so expect ongoing changes, improvements, and bug fixes of course. 

Program Alvik robot with your Chromebook!

The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor allows students and teachers using Chromebook to easily program Arduino Alvik in the classroom, expanding the possibilities for them to create more robotics projects. Check out our free online course to start your adventure with Alvik, MicroPython and more! 

What is MicroPython?

MicroPython is a lightweight version of Python® designed to run on microcontrollers, allowing you to control hardware like sensors and motors with just a few lines of code. It’s great for beginners because Python® is known for being simple and readable, making it easier to dive into electronics without needing deep programming knowledge. 

Plus, since MicroPython works well with Arduino boards, you can take advantage of our incredible open-source community, tutorials, and tools. It’s a perfect fit for exploring hardware projects in a friendly and accessible way!

Ready to give it a try? Test it out now! The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor can be accessed from the Resources section in our app.arduino.cc or directly from https://lab-micropython.arduino.cc.

The post The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor is out! With Chromebook support to code Alvik and more appeared first on Arduino Blog.

How to customize your Arduino Cloud IoT dashboards on the go

The Arduino Cloud has long been a trusted platform for makers, engineers, and developers to manage their IoT projects with ease. From tracking sensor data to automating smart devices, the cloud enables seamless connectivity. Complementing this, the Arduino IoT Remote mobile app gives users the power to monitor and interact with their dashboards from anywhere. […]

The post How to customize your Arduino Cloud IoT dashboards on the go appeared first on Arduino Blog.

The Arduino Cloud has long been a trusted platform for makers, engineers, and developers to manage their IoT projects with ease. From tracking sensor data to automating smart devices, the cloud enables seamless connectivity. Complementing this, the Arduino IoT Remote mobile app gives users the power to monitor and interact with their dashboards from anywhere. Now, we’re excited to announce a new feature that enhances your experience even further: the ability to change dashboard layouts directly through the mobile app!

Let’s dive into this exciting new update, along with some other minor features recently added to improve your experience.

Change your dashboard layouts from the IoT Remote App

Previously, modifying or rearranging the layout of your IoT dashboards was only possible through the browser on a PC. While this worked well for desktop users, it wasn’t convenient for those who needed to make changes on the go. With the latest update, you can now modify the “mobile view” of your dashboard directly through the Arduino IoT Remote app.

It’s important to note that Arduino Cloud dashboards have two distinct views: mobile and desktop. This new feature allows you to customize the layout specifically for your mobile devices, without affecting the desktop version. So whether you’re monitoring your projects on your phone or tablet, you can now optimize the layout for a mobile-friendly experience.

By customizing the mobile view, you gain more control over how your data is displayed and interacted with on your phone—perfect for users who need a quick overview and control of their IoT systems while away from their desktops.

How to use the new layout feature

Using this new feature is simple. Here’s how you can rearrange your dashboard layout in the IoT Remote mobile app:

  • Open the Arduino IoT Remote app and log into your account.
  • Navigate to the dashboard you want to modify.
  • On the Settings menu of the dashboard, tap the  Rearrange button.
  • Select a widget by clicking on it, and move it around the dashboard to the new location or change its size.
  • Click on CANCEL to discard your changes or on SAVE to save your changes, and your updated layout will be visible across all your mobile devices.

What else is new on the IoT Remote app? 

In addition to the layout customization feature, during the past months we’ve introduced several minor updates to make your app experience even smoother:

  • Sync dashboard cover image: Now, you can set a cover image for your dashboard, and it will automatically sync across all your devices. Whether for branding, personalization, or easy recognition, this feature ensures visual consistency on every device you use.
  • Disable trigger from Notification Detail: You can now enable or disable a trigger directly from the Notification Detail screen. This feature provides quick control over automated actions, helping you fine-tune your project with minimal hassle.
  • Clear notifications via the Activity Manage Panel: Keep your notifications organized by clearing them all from the new Activity Manage Panel. This helps you stay focused by removing unnecessary clutter from your feed.

Install the Arduino IoT Remote on your mobile phone

These new features make it easier than ever to stay on top of your IoT projects from anywhere with your mobile phone. Whether you’re monitoring, controlling, or tweaking your dashboard, the Arduino IoT Remote app is the perfect tool for the job, and it’s free!

Ready to experience these new updates? Download the Arduino IoT Remote app today from the App Store or Google Play and take full control of your IoT projects from the convenience of your mobile device.

The post How to customize your Arduino Cloud IoT dashboards on the go appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Using Arduino with gaming

It’s not surprising that the Arduino community is packed to the brim with examples of gaming-related projects. Both activities tend to attract people with a love for problem-solving, technology, and getting immersed in one challenging activity for hours at a time. The result is that there are tons of fascinating Arduino projects that revolve around […]

The post Using Arduino with gaming appeared first on Arduino Blog.

It’s not surprising that the Arduino community is packed to the brim with examples of gaming-related projects. Both activities tend to attract people with a love for problem-solving, technology, and getting immersed in one challenging activity for hours at a time.

The result is that there are tons of fascinating Arduino projects that revolve around video games. If you enjoy sitting back in your favorite gaming chair and plunging into a world of virtual recreation, you’ll love what we’re sharing here — and maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your next project.

Let’s dive into a few of the best examples of Arduino-driven gaming creations.

Arduino project ideas for gamers

A tiny gaming mouse

The right mouse can make a world of difference in the world of PC gaming — there’s a reason high-end gaming mouses (mice?) can sell for eye-watering amounts of money.

If you want the most finely-tuned, customized mouse possible, though, you’ll have to make it yourself. That’s exactly what Science Shack did with this project — an ultra-light gaming mouse made using Arduino.

Driven by an urge to learn just how tiny a mouse could get, Science Shack embarked on his mission. The result? A mouse that is only 18 cubic centimeters in volume and less than 10 grams in weight.

Check out the full video where Science Shack walks through the process, materials, and the end result.

Handheld toggle switches game

When it comes to gaming, more complex isn’t always better. In fact, the old retro-style, ultra-simple games like Space Invaders are still popular decades on.

In keeping with this philosophy, Redditor ToggleBoss decided to create a handheld gaming device operated by nothing more than a small set of toggles. The device features a simple yet satisfying game on a small LED screen.

ToggleBoss’s project was built with just a handful of components — Arduino code running on a NodeMCU, together with a pull-up resistor for switches and an SSD1306 OLED display..

An LED gaming platform for people with special needs

One of the great things about gaming is that it’s an activity that almost anyone can enjoy.

This is now even more true thanks to Alain Mauer, who constructed this LED gaming platform specifically for people with special needs.

Mauer was inspired to create the project to help his son, Scott, who is non-verbal autistic. Later, he realized it could be enjoyed by many more people, including those with movement restrictions.

The game is a simple, LED-based puzzle operated by easy-to-press buttons on the device. There is no time pressure, and the device is extremely robust and durable.

Best of all, the project is designed to be as easy to replicate as possible. It uses affordable and easily obtained components with the code developed using the Arduino IDE 2. 

Arcade stacker game

Arcades may be associated with a bygone era, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the same excitement and fun in our own homes.

Reddit user enlightened-creature built this arcade-esque stacker game with a 3D-printed case to capture the arcade vibe from anywhere. It’s built using a simple LED screen and some code and is easy to emulate — as proven here by another Arduino fan.

Exercise bike

In our busy, hustle-filled world, riding a stationary bike at home is one of the most convenient ways to get some exercise — saving the time and effort of hitting a gym or sports club.

But there’s one big problem… it’s boring. Programs like Peloton have evolved to help alleviate the tedium, but they’re expensive and not for everyone.

To solve the problem, Arduino user issaom decided to connect their exercise bike to the PC, transforming it as a controller for various driving simulator games. The pedals are, unsurprisingly, used to move forward, and a steering wheel is attached to the handlebars to change direction.

The project employs several components including an Arduino Nano and an Arduino Micro.

Take your gaming projects to the next level

With Arduino, it’s entirely possible to build projects just like these at home, with nothing more than a few easy-to-find components and some basic code.

The Arduino Project Hub is filled with similar examples, in any category you can think of and for all levels of experience. You can filter by project type and difficulty level, and even search for specific projects — plus there’s a specific section for interactive games. Check it out for inspiration and guidance.

The post Using Arduino with gaming appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Using Arduino UNO to sync a visual neuroscience lab

Common research methods to study the visual system in the laboratory include recording and monitoring neural activity in the presence of sensory stimuli, to help scientists study how neurons encode and respond, for example, to specific visual inputs.  One of the biggest technical problems in the neural recording setups used in such experiments, is achieving […]

The post Using Arduino UNO to sync a visual neuroscience lab appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Common research methods to study the visual system in the laboratory include recording and monitoring neural activity in the presence of sensory stimuli, to help scientists study how neurons encode and respond, for example, to specific visual inputs. 

One of the biggest technical problems in the neural recording setups used in such experiments, is achieving precise synchronization of multiple devices communicating with each other, including microscopes and screens displaying the stimuli, to accurately map neural responses to the visual events.

For example, in the Rompani Lab, a visual neuroscience laboratory at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Rome, the recording system (a two-photon microscope) needs to communicate with the visual stimulation system (composed of two screens) that are used to show visual stimuli while recording neural activity. To synchronize these systems efficiently, they turned to an Arduino UNO Rev3. “Its simplicity, reliability, and ease of integration made it an ideal tool for handling the timing and communication between different devices in the lab,” says Pietro Micheli, PhD student at EMBL Rome. 

How the setups works

The Arduino UNO Rev3 is used to signal to the microscope when the stimulus (which is basically just a short video) starts and when it ends. While the microscope is recording and acquiring frames, a simple firmware tells the UNO to listen to the data stream on a COM port of the computer used to control the visual stimulation. 

Within the Python® script used for controlling the screens, every time a new stimulus starts a command is written on the serial port. The microcontroller reads the command, which can be either ‘H’ or ‘L’, and sets the voltage of the output TTL at pin 9 to 5V or 0V, respectively. This TTL signal goes to the microscope controller, which generates time stamps for the microscope status. These timestamps contain the exact frame numbers of the microscope recording at which the stimulus started (rising edge of the TTL) and ended (falling edge of the TTL).

All this information is essential for the analysis of the recording, as it allows the researchers at EMBL Rome to align the neural responses recorded to the stimulation protocol presented. Once the neural activity is aligned, the downstream analysis can begin, focusing on understanding the deeper brain activity. 

Ever wonder what neurons that are firing look like? 

Micheli shared with us an example of the type of neural activity acquired during an experimental session with the setup described above. 

The small blinking dots are individual neurons recorded from the visual cortex of an awake, behaving mouse. The signal being monitored is the fluorescence of a particular protein produced by neurons, which indicates their activity level. After the light emitted by the neurons has been recorded and digitised, researchers extract fluorescence traces for each neuron. At this point, they can proceed with the analysis of the neural activity, to try to understand how the visual stimuli shown are actually encoded by the recorded neural population.

The post Using Arduino UNO to sync a visual neuroscience lab appeared first on Arduino Blog.